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3. RIVERS AND STREAMS
The River Thames forms the western boundary of the borough and
is under the control of the Thames Conservancy. The Hogsmill River,
a tributary of the Thames, for some two miles forms the eastern
boundary and thence flows through the borough. In dry weather a
considerable portion of the flow of this river comprises the effluent
from the Hogsmill Valley Sewage Treatment Works. The Beverley Brook,
another tributary of the Thames, forms part of the eastern boundary
and receives the effluent of the Worcester Park Sewage Disposal Works.
The pollution of the rivers in particular from litter and waste
arising from house-boats occupied by the river-side dwellers and other
river users has been a matter of concern to the department. Members
of the general public can do much to reduce the nuisance from litter
and the practice of dumping large pieces of unwanted furniture, mattresses,
prams and similar items can produce hazards in streams which would otherwise
be attractive amenities. The Council has restricted the use of the
river-side moorings in its ownership to non-residential use and this
should make a useful contribution to the cleanliness of the river.
Whilst the quality of the water in the Thames is improving it is
not fit for bathing.
4. DRAINAGE AMD SEWERAGE
A small quantity of the sewage is discharged to the sewage
disposal works of the Greater London Council at Worcester Park and to
the Wandle Valley Works, the remainder is dealt with at the Hogsmill
Valley Sewage Treatment Works. This plant which is situated at Lower
Marsh Lane, also deals with the sewage from the Borough of Epsom and
Ewell. With the exception of a few houses, all dwellings are connected
to the main sewerage system.
The department is responsible for what can be termed the private
sector of drainage and over 1,200 complaints were received. Many of
these related to blocked drains and the department operates a service
for which, in the case of private single drains, a charge is made.
In many instances such complaints may necessitate lengthy investigations,
particularly in those parts of the borough which were built over at the
beginning of the century and where buchan traps are often found to
exist. Where appropriates, notices are served to remedy defects, and
at times legal difficulties arise particularly in the case of combined
drainage systems which were constructed prior to 1936.